Chemical Constituents and Post-Harvest Prospects ofPandanus amaryllifoliusLeaves: A Review

The leaves of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. are widely used for flavoring food items. Extensive work has been done on agro parameters and propagation techniques as well as isolation and identification of the important chemical constituents such as volatile compounds, proteins, alkaloids and flavonoids. This review focuses on the possibilities of using the leaves in food and nonfood industries with particular reference to its aroma component. The major aromatic compound, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, has commercial significance as a flavor constituent that imparts the characteristic aroma of scented rice varieties such as basmati rice in India and in several Asian rice varieties. The compound can be added to nonaromatic rice varieties and other food formulations. The location and concentration of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in both Pandanus amaryllifolius and aromatic rice has been studied, as has the feasibility of extraction of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline using different methodologies. The different methods for processing and preservation of this flavor compound are reviewed as are the application potential for flavor enrichment. Further, the therapeutic value of Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves and their importance in other areas as a source of phytochemicals and insecticide has also been documented.